Sandvik’s Top Hammer XL Drills Up To 7-Inch Holes Using Half The Fuel Of A Down-The-Hole Rig

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“A key asset of the Top Hammer XL drilling system is that all three main components—the drill rig, rock drill, and rock tools—have been reviewed, redesigned, and mutually optimized,” says Sandvik’s Jukka Siltanen. (Photo courtesy of Sandvik.)

Sandvik’s new Top Hammer XL surface drilling system has proven in more than 62 miles (100,000 metres) of testing to reduce fuel usage by 50% compared with the down-the-hole (DTH) drilling method. The new system, designed for large holes measuring 5.5 to 7 inches (140 to 178 millimetres) in diameter, also showed a 25% reduction in total drilling costs and a 15% boost in productivity according to the manufacturer. The Top Hammer XL is capable of production drilling in large quarries or open-pit mines.

Working Together

The Top Hammer XL comprises three new components designed to work in unison: the Pantera DP1600i drill rig, RD1840C rock drill, and LT90 rock tools. “A key asset of the Top Hammer XL drilling system is that all three main components have been reviewed, redesigned, and mutually optimized,” says Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions’ Product Line Manager for Rock Drills, Jukka Siltanen.

The Pantera DP1600i drill rig is a customizable, stable foundation for large-hole drilling with the most power in its class, Sandvik says. Its intelligent support of automation options lends itself to drilling optimization and fleet management systems. The Pantera DP1600i is available in versions that meet EU Stage V or EPA Tier 3 engine emissions standards.

The RD1840C rock drill brings 66 horsepower (49 kilowatts) of drilling power to bear. It uses a long piston percussion system with precisely placed pressure accumulators to transmit an optimal pulse to the rock tools. An option available later this year, the RockPulse tool stress monitoring system, will provide the operator with drill bit response, tools load, and feed level data. It will also guide the user to the correct drilling parameters for the conditions.

The Right Tools For The Job

Finally, the LT90 rock tools include a shank adapter, tube rods, and drill bits created for the most efficient performance. The premium steel LT90 shank adapter and MF tube rods efficiently transfer energy for top performance and long drill string life. The LT90 drill bits are available in standard carbide and PowerCarbide grades.

“Our patented and optimized LT90 rock tools design increases productivity, improves hole straightness, and provides great coupling characteristics and a long service life,” says Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions’ Product Manager for Top Hammer Surface Tools, Fredrik Björk. “All in all, this new shoulder-driven system with a double-pass thread gives our customers a much better drilling experience.”

Source: Sandvik